This bewitching burlesquer is stripping their way through Spooky Season: Witch Tulips! [Cover photo: @mffphotography]
Thotyssey: Hello Witch! Thanks for chatting with us today! Spooky Season is upon us… is this a special time of year for you, or is every day Halloween for you?
Witch Tulips: Hello! So happy to be chatting with you! I’m lucky when I get to embrace Halloween more than just the October season– big fan of Gay Christmas.
You are a popular star of NYC burlesque… how might you describe your own aesthetic today?
Oh, that’s so generous to say! I love to play on the edge of kink and glam, going into more classic spaces and bring the edge where I can.
Can you share a bit of your origin story with us?
Absolutely — it’s quite the pipeline of “super religious small town to witch / performance art” narrative. Originally I’m from Pella, IA, a small little Dutch tourist town.
I moved to NYC about ten years ago in pursuit of musical theatre dreams. I got to do some really special things on and off Broadway, but wasn’t doing what I hoped. Then I took an act development class with the amazing Jezebel Express at the New York School of Burlesque. I did their showcase and never thought I’d do it again, but then Calamity Chang hired me for my first professional show at Nurse Bettie and I haven’t stopped since.
A great start! How did you develop your burlesque persona? Did the “character” come to you immediately, or did you try a few different things out at first?
What “Witch” is now, is definitely deeper and a little different from how it first started, but she really became her own strong persona from the start. I found Witch takes care of people and herself pretty fiercely, and is high priestess tarot energy — divine and fiercely high femme. Gender expression and queerness have been huge for this character, and at the same time in my real life, because of the safety Witch gave me!
Can you describe how burlesque did that for you? And, did it require you to have to put aside insecurities about body image and being exposed?
Oh, absolutely! Burlesque is sex magic to me, and it has completely changed how I feel about myself and my body and what it’s capable of. It’s given me such freedom, but has had me ask questions that have made me uncomfortable before! I realized through burlesque, and especially nightlife, that I was queer and non-binary… and found my chosen family through it all.
Do you have a favorite number to do today?
I love my main fan number to the “Toxic” cover by Rain Paris, but I also recently brought back one of my original numbers from seven years ago: a puritan witch act to the Pretty Reckless’ “Going to Hell.”
Are you still constantly gathering new looks and pieces for your shows? Is your home filled with feathers and pasties and rhinestones, lol?
Absolutely! I just got these beautiful bracelet feathers from Jahireen that I’m so excited to play with, and a latex skirt in the making from Calamity. There are truly rhinestones everywhere in my house between all the unfinished projects!
What’s been a favorite on stage experience you’ve had? And, did you have an all-time weirdest moment, lol?
I’ve loved performing at Red Pavilion with Venus Cuffs, Fire & Fury, and most recently I got to join “Dyke Drag” at Women’s Weekend at Cherry Grove!
And OMG, all time weirdest moment? Unfortunately I feel like these are pretty regular, especially when first beginning in burlesque and learning the ropes. People are unpredictable in some circumstances, so I’ve gotten pretty good at handling the weirder times. Many costume malfunctions, as expected! Probably people trying to join the act?
Ugh, those are the worst!
You’ve performed a bunch of times with Apocalypse Noir, an immersive drag / cabaret experience led by Andrew Barret Cox showcasing every Monday at Balcon. How did you come to meet Andrew and company, and what’s it like to perform with them?
I love that man! Yes, I love performing with them, and low key / high key one of the best shows… especially for free!? Please. I met Andrew many years ago while dancing for Honey Burlesque and immediately fell in love with his voice and artistry. I’m lucky to work with him and the people he keeps close.
Something huge is happening with you and Apocalypse Noir on October 22nd: “The Halloween Ball” at one of the city’s most iconic venues, Lincoln Center!
Yes, it feels extra special to join them for a Halloween show! It’s one night only, free, and you’ll see acts that haven’t been seen before.
Anything else to add?
I’m open for commissions for rhinestone work, gogo and burlesque… and thank you! Also, follow me for upcoming shows.
Okay lastly: who is you favorite witch in all of pop culture: movies, books, TV, music, cartoons, etc.?
Is it so basic to say Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Melissa Joan Hart edition!? She started so much for me. That, and the Hocus Pocus trio.
Royalty! Thanks, Witch!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Witch Tulips’ upcoming appearances, and follow them on Instagram, TikTok and LinkTree.
Thotyssey 